Allicin gives garlic its distinctive smell. But the substance is also responsible for many of the health benefits of garlic.
Opinions differ when it comes to the smell of garlic. Some love him, others can’t stand him. Allicin is responsible for the strong smell of garlic. Allicin is a cleavage product of alliin, an amino acid found in garlic. If the garlic clove is injured, enzymes begin to break down alliin into allicin and other aromatic substances.
But allicin not only gives garlic its characteristic smell. The substance is also considered to be very healthy, which is why the food and pharmaceutical industries often work with it. A large number of food supplements and medicines based on garlic are now on the German market. According to the consumer center, the prescribed maximum amount for allicin as a drug is five milligrams per day.
The health effects of allicin
Scientists have long wondered why garlic is so healthy. It is still unknown how the tuber works exactly. Science assumes that the health-promoting effects of garlic come about through the interaction of the various ingredients. Allicin plays a crucial role in this.
Studies suggest that allicin:
Can prevent cancer because it prevents the formation of tumors as a radical scavenger.
Prevents infections with pathogens because it has an antimicrobial effect.
Prevents cardiovascular disease as it can lower the levels of bad LDL cholesterol.
It’s important to keep in mind that many of the studies on allicin have been conducted on animals. The extent to which these results can also be transferred to humans is scientifically controversial. In addition, the study results are not always clear: For example, a cholesterol-lowering effect of garlic was observed in only 44 percent of all studies from 1993 to 2006.
The antimicrobial effect of allicin may be one reason why garlic is particularly popular in the national kitchens of tropical countries. The antimicrobial effects of garlic, chillies, pepper, and ginger protected people from bacterial pathogens before the invention of the refrigerator. Germs in the food could be killed by garlic and marinades containing chilli.
You should pay attention to this when buying garlic
If you want to benefit from allicin’s healthy properties, you don’t need to resort to supplements or drugs. According to the consumer center, one should not assume that garlic in powder form or extracts has the same healthy effects on human health. It is therefore best to avoid artificial products and cook with garlic at home more often. It is not only healthy but also delicious.
If possible, buy garlic from Europe, as it travels shorter distances than, for example, Asian garlic. Garlic from China is also often heavily contaminated with pesticides. Bleaching agents that are banned in the EU are often used illegally there. You should therefore avoid snow-white garlic.
